Isn't the defining trait of Catholics as opposed to Protestants that they don't just straight up follow the bible? That the church is the authority and the bibl

Isn't the defining trait of Catholics as opposed to Protestants that they don't just straight up follow the bible? That the church is the authority and the bible is just a jumping off point. If you're reading the bible yourself and using it to argue with the church then you've already left Catholic territory.